My hero: A true inspiration at Elon

Jonathan Fiedler / Columnist

Everyone walking this earth is special and unique in many ways.  We all have attributes that are admirable and noteworthy.

However, in this wonderful walk we call life, there are some people who live extraordinary lives of character.

I met junior Chris Hendricks within the first few months that I arrived at Elon.  I liked him instantly.

Hendricks was in the weight room, his usual hideaway, as he continued to train with amazing conviction.

When I saw him continue to strive toward his goals despite his physical limitations, I knew that Hendricks possessed one of the strongest wills of courage I had seen on this campus.

Hendricks has cerebral palsy, a term used to describe a group of chronic conditions affecting body movements and muscle coordination caused by damage to one or more specific areas of the brain, usually occurring during fetal development or during infancy.

Approximately 500,000 people in this country have some degree of cerebral palsy.

Chris does not let his condition get in the way of his hopes and dreams.

He has set a lofty goal of being the first Navy seal with cerebral palsy.

If the merit of Navy seal was determined by the strength of the human spirit, I believe that Hendricks will not only become the first Navy seal with this condition, but that he will also break the records of  all abilities along this road to excellence.

During Hendricks' freshman year at Elon, he decided to break the record in the Swim to Florida competition here on campus.  After months of eight-hour days in the pool, Hendricks became the all-time record holder in this endurance event by swimming 18,002 laps.

If everyone at Elon had a fraction of the valor and determination that Chris has, Elon would reach ultimate pinnacles among the nation in all fields of life we have yet to see.

We are in the presence of a legendary being.  Never give up on your hopes my friends, and watch the star dust trail you as you shoot across the sky.

A lesson is to be learned by all of us in the accomplishments and dedications of Chris Hendricks. It is that we should all have faith and courage.

But most importantly, never give up on your hopes and dreams.

If you work hard and believe, you can accomplish anything you put your mind to.

Contact Jonathan Fiedler at pendulum@elon.edu or 278-7247.